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New Invention To Fight Drought

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Kiara Nirghin, a 16-year-old student from Johannesburg, South Africa, may be able to help with a drought in her country.

Nirghin entered the Google Science Fair's Community Impact Award for the Middle East and Africa. Her submission, “No More Thirsty Crops”, won first place. Her invention consists of orange peels and avocado skins, which turned into something that can store water more than a hundred times its own weight. It’s also biodegradable.

South Africa is experiencing the worst drought in its history. Eight out of nine provinces are in a state of disaster, leaving millions with a shortage of water. Agri SA requested $1 billion to help farmers with their crops, but Nirghin’s (NER-gins) new invention could actually help them save thousands of dollars.

Nirghin is now in the running to become one of the sixteen finalists at the Fair. If she becomes a finalist, she will have the opportunity to visit the Google Headquarters in San Francisco, California for the Annual Awards Celebration.